Student gap year advice

It’s essential to plan well before any big trip abroad – especially one that could entail months away from home. Arriving in a foreign far-flung country is always exciting but it can be daunting too! So when it’s all so unfamiliar it’s important to do a little preparation before you go.

Here are a few handy top tips to get you started…

Get adequate insurance

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It can happen to you so make sure you get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before setting off. Shop around and make sure that your insurance is the right one for you. Think about any activities you may be doing, even spur of moment ones, and make sure you’re covered for these. Your policy also needs to cover any medical costs, including an air ambulance. If you do not take out proper insurance, you will have to pay the costs of any emergency yourself, including expensive medical bills.

Obtain local knowledge

Get a good guidebook and carry out a bit of research into your destination before you go, including its laws, customs and language. This will help you avoid offending people or breaking local laws however unwittingly. Check FCO Travel Advice before you go at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Stay up-to-date

Keep updated while you’re away by subscribing to the FCO’s free e-mail notification service which will alert you to any Travel Advice updates for the countries you are visiting. For more information visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Staying healthy

Make a visit to your GP as soon as possible before you depart and find out what jabs you may need. Take any prescribed medicine with you and keep it to hand. To find out more on staying healthy click here.

Check visas and passports

Ensure that you have the necessary visas to travel to your destination. Check that your passport is in good condition and make sure you fill in the emergency contact details. Certain countries require you to have a minimum period of time left on your passport when you arrive. To find out if there is a minimum requirement where you are going, check the FCO’s country travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Make a note of the passport number and consider taking a photocopy with you and/or store online using a secure data storage site.

Take enough money

Work out how much money you’ll need on a daily basis and work to a realistic budget. Be sure to take enough money as the FCO can’t pay for your bills or send you home if you run out! To learn more about money on holiday click here.

Bringing foods back into the UK from outside the EU

Did you know that it’s illegal for travellers to bring all meat and meat products, and milk and dairy products, plus some fish and plant products into the UK from non-EU countries? This is because they could carry pests and diseases, such as Foot and Mouth or Colorado Beetle, which might harm British livestock and crops. So before you bring back souvenirs from your trip, make sure you know the rules. You can find more information online at GOV.UK website. If you are not able to check, or you’re still not sure, there’s only one way to be safe: don’t pack it.

Set up an email account

It’s a good idea to set up a secure internet email account. Email yourself and trusted friends or family details of your insurance policy, passport, itinerary and emergency contact numbers (insurance company, credit card company and British Consulate) – just in case. Also sign up for regular FCO Travel Advice updates so you can find out about any potential hot-spots.

Keep in touch

Tell friends and family your plans before you go and keep in regular contact, especially if you change your plans. Consider taking a roaming mobile and use text or email to keep in contact. For more tips on staying in touch click here.

Look into gap providers

If you decide to organise your trip with a gap year company, research the company thoroughly before committing. Find out how long they have been operating and how many people they have taken abroad in the past. It’s a good idea to speak to past gap travellers who have used the company to find out about their experiences.

You could also check whether the company complies with British Standard ‘BS 8848’ which specifies operational requirements for organisers of adventurous and educational activities abroad including university and academic fieldwork, gap year experiences, adventure holidays, charity challenges and research expeditions.

Get advice

Ask around before you go and read a good guidebook to familiarise yourself with your destination(s). Speak to friends and relatives about their travelling experiences abroad. Get their advice on countries and areas to visit. It’s also a good idea to speak to other gap travellers including those who have recently returned from abroad.

Book a flexible ticket

A flexible air ticket will ensure that you can come home or leave a country whenever you want without being restricted.

Book your first night’s accommodation

At the very least, make sure you have booked your first night’s accommodation in advance. You are at your most vulnerable when you first arrive in a foreign country. You are likely to be tired and unsure of your surroundings – so it’s worth planning ahead.

Be alert

Be aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Avoid potentially dangerous ‘no-go’ areas, in particular after dark. Use your common sense and make sure you are constantly assessing and reassessing your personal safety. Be aware of drugs – these have been used in incidents of rape, so keep your wits about you. For advice on how to stay safe if you are a lone woman traveller or a group of female travellers, check out our advice for women travellers page.

Keep an eye on your belongings

Keep an eagle eye on your possessions. Never leave your luggage unattended or with someone you don’t completely trust. Be aware of pickpockets who tend to operate in crowded areas and lock up your luggage with padlocks. Make sure you have copies of all important documents such as your passport, tickets, insurance policy, itinerary and contact details. Keep these separate from the originals and leave copies with your family and friends.

Be careful with alcohol

When it comes to alcohol, keep in mind if you have an accident when you’re drunk you probably won’t be covered by your insurance. Check the small print.

Avoid drugs

Different countries have different penalties for people supplying or possessing drugs, and sometimes they can be really severe. Being British won’t help you get out of jail!

Be aware of local perceptions of you and your group

Wherever you go, the less you stand out the safer you’ll be. If you dress in clothes that blend in with the crowds, you’re less likely to become a target of crime or be hassled.

Decide what you want to get out of your travels, plan ahead and pack sensibly

Be sure to think about where you’re going, when you’re going and what you’ll be doing there. This will help you to plan what you’ll need to take with you.

Power of attorney over your bank account

It may be worth giving someone close and trusted to you back home power of attorney over your bank account. This will allow them to pay any of your bills while you’re away and track you if necessary.

Working abroad

Working while you travel is a great way to help finance your trip, allowing you to stay away for longer. If you are planning to earn a bit of extra cash abroad, make sure you have the correct work permit and visas. Also ensure you properly check out any potential employer before your interview and let friends or family know where you are going and who you are meeting.

Volunteering

Many gap year travellers want to make a contribution to a community abroad and volunteer for some or all of their time overseas. Voluntary work can be very rewarding although the same factors which can limit the value of gap years generally, such as language and cultural barriers, apply here too. Volunteering projects require careful structuring, planning and support, and volunteers will get more benefit the longer the project and the closer it matches their skills.

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